Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Visit" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "visit", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
訪問
ほうもん (hōmon)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
うかがう
うかがう (ukagau)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "visit" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 訪問 and うかがう.
In Japanese, 訪問 (ほうもん (hōmon)) is typically associated with "visit" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents A formal way to say "visit," often used in business or polite contexts, or when referring to visiting a place rather than just a person. Can be used as a noun.
On the other hand, うかがう (うかがう (ukagau)) maps to "to visit, to ask, to hear (humble)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents 謙譲語. A literal translation of "visit" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "訪問"
私は明日、顧客の会社を訪問します。
I will visit the client's company tomorrow.
Bilingual Context for "うかがう"
明日、先生のお宅にうかがいます。
I will visit the teacher's house tomorrow.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "私は明日、顧客の会社を ＿＿＿ します。" (Meaning: "I will visit the client's company tomorrow.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "訪問" fits here because it means "visit" in the context of: "I will visit the client's company tomorrow.". "うかがう" represents "to visit, to ask, to hear (humble)".